Safe driving begins and ends with strong windshield visibility. Your windshield is the main outlet to the world around you while inside your vehicle. Maintaining sustainable visibility stems from the condition of your windshield wipers. Windshield wipers should be replaced every six months unless signs of poor performance become evident beforehand. Ensuring you can see your surroundings protects you–the driver–but also those around you. There are several things to look for when deciding if your wiper blades should be replaced.
Closely observe the condition of the rubber on the wipers. Ensure the entirety of the rubber is one smooth, cohesive piece. If the rubber is cracked, split, broken or otherwise shows blemishes or imperfections, replacing your wiper blades is imperative. Additionally, if the wiper blades exhibit a rounded look, they are too worn and require replacement.
Another indication of deteriorated windshield wipers is the efficiency of film and grime removal. If your wipers fail to remove any dirt, that is another indication of deteriorated windshield wipers. Cleaning your wipers with a paper towel may provide a temporary solution. But if the problem persists, purchasing new wipers is the safest option.
Apart from visual discrepancies, observe the sounds your wipers make. If a chattering or dragging sound can be heard due to the wipers making contact with the glass only some of the time, it may be time to get new wipers for your vehicle.
Perhaps the most obvious symptom of worn windshield wipers is the overall contact they make with the windshield. Wipers can become damaged for a multitude of reasons. Make sure both wipers are coming into contact and cleaning the glass. If the metal frame of the wiper is bent, it won’t make proper contact with the window and therefore neglect moisture in the corners or in the middle. Even if the frame is bent but still cleans the windshield, it won’t be long before it fails to do so.
Paying close attention to the condition of your wipers’ rubber and metal components will help inform the best time to replace your windshield wipers. Watch out for streaks across your windshield and any chattering or dragging noises produced by your wipers. If none of these symptoms occur, the standard timeframe for wiper blade replacements is six months. The owner’s manual will describe in detail the type and length of wiper blades for your vehicle. Maintaining clear visibility is important for your safety and the safety of others.